Construction Industry Federation, Limerick Branch, will host a discussion on the future of the construction sector in the Cork region on the 6th April in the Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick at 4.30 p.m.

Leading experts from the CIF will present their views on the work of the Federation and how the industry is likely to develop over the coming decade.

It is estimated the construction sector in the Mid West Region accounts for over 10% of the output of the industry and is a major employer, with over 9,000 people working in the industry locally.

Speaking at the launch of the CIF Roadshow, Regional Director Conor O’Connell said:

“The lack of commencements dates for critical infrastructural projects in the Region is threatening the further development of the area. It is welcome that works have begun on the new Courthouse building in Limerick with works also commencing on the Primary Care Centre in Limerick. These projects are a timely boost to the construction industry in the region, however we need to see more action from Government in terms of projects such as the Limerick Northern Bypass.”

A recent EU report noted that Ireland continues to underspend by up to 33% on infrastructural projects.  Public sector investment must keep pace with private sector investment and the Region badly needs the above transportation projects to commence as soon as possible.  The lack of commence dates and firm commitments in relation to when these projects will commencement is leading to uncertainty for further private sector investment in the Region.

Investment in the region’s infrastructure is being neglected and this threatens jobs and growth.  We are calling for the appointment of a Minister for Infrastructure and Construction in the new Government.  We want the political parties to commit now to giving any Minister appointed in this area responsibility for investment in infrastructure with a focus on regional development.

To support this, it is vital that commencement dates and project timescales are given for the following projects contained within the Public Capital Programme:

• N69 Foynes Road / Adare Bypass
• Limerick Northern Bypass
• Limerick Maternity Hospital
• Refurbishment Works at Limerick Prison

In addition, to increase the Regions attractiveness to job seekers and to FDI, the housing supply in the area must be expanded to meet a substantial upturn in demand.  As a result, residential construction activity will need to resume in a significant way in the Region over the next few years.

At the moment the only variable in construction costs are various Government charges, taxes, levies, etc estimated to be 36% of the sale price of a home.   Labour and materials are at historical lows in terms of a percentage of overall construction costs, so effectively the only variable to allow the industry to deliver residential units within the price ranges sought by public policy initiatives are costs controlled by the Government.”

www.cif.ie